The Peebles Common Good Fund Sub-Committee met on Friday 18 September 2026 to discuss the Derek Scott Memorial Garden and a partnership agreement for Parkrun at Haylodge Park. The committee agreed to proceed with the memorial garden, subject to confirmation of ongoing maintenance, and noted the formal adoption of the partnership agreement with Parkrun UK.

Haylodge Park - Derek Scott Memorial Garden

The committee discussed plans for the Derek Scott Memorial Garden in Haylodge Park. The original proposal had been scaled back due to the cost of plants, resulting in a 10-metre diameter circle without intersecting paths. This area will contain approximately 30 mixed ornamental trees and shrubs, providing year-round colour and wildlife value.

Several councillors raised concerns about the long-term maintenance of memorial gardens and the need for a clear policy across all common good grounds regarding commemorations. Councillor Drummond Begg highlighted the importance of considering the next hundred years when deciding on memorials, while Councillor Marshall Douglas noted that the community council had received a request for a tree or plaque and was seeking clarity on existing rules. Councillor Suzy Douglas agreed with the need for caution and a clear policy, drawing parallels with potential over-saturation of memorials seen in other locations.

The committee agreed to two actions: firstly, to obtain confirmation from John Falla and his team that they will undertake the ongoing maintenance of the garden. Secondly, the committee will liaise with Carol Cook and Nuala McKinlay to explore the possibility of developing a council-wide policy on memorial gardens. Councillor George Ramsay emphasised that the current memorial garden proposal should proceed for the family's sake, while acknowledging the broader issue it had raised.

Haylodge Park - Parkrun

The committee considered a partnership agreement for the weekly Parkrun event held at Haylodge Park. This discussion followed a complaint regarding the operation of the event, which had been investigated and not upheld. However, the investigation highlighted the need to review and refresh the existing agreement from 2018.

The proposed partnership agreement was noted for formal adoption by the committee, outlining the responsibilities of Scottish Borders Council, Parkrun UK, and the local volunteer event director team. The agreement aims to ensure the safe and effective delivery of the free, weekly 5-kilometre run, jog, or walk, promoting physical activity, wellbeing, and community volunteering. Councillor Drummond Begg spoke in favour of the event, noting its positive impact on the community and encouraging participation. The agreement includes provisions for annual reviews, route risk assessments, and insurance documentation.

Action Tracker Updates

Updates were provided on various items within the action tracker. Gareth Smith reported that progress was being made on installing two additional street light columns in an unlit area of Victoria Park and that efforts were underway to source replacement solar lights. Contact was being made with the Baptist Church regarding the boundary wall, though a response was still awaited. Discussions were ongoing regarding income generation from fishing rights and signage, with a view to having more information for the November meeting.

Other Matters

The committee noted that Councillor Julie Pirone was absent and that an update on the festival grant for toilets would be sought from her. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Wednesday, 18 November 2026, at 5 pm. The Chair reminded members that items for the agenda require a formal request and that attendees are expected to present their items for discussion. The meeting then moved into private business to discuss quotes and funding for works.